CVE-2008-2654 in Motion
Summary
by MITRE
Off-by-one error in the read_client function in webhttpd.c in Motion 3.2.10 and earlier might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long request to a Motion HTTP Control interface, which triggers a stack-based buffer overflow with some combinations of processor architecture and compiler.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2654 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Motion surveillance software version 3.2.10 and earlier. This issue resides within the webhttpd.c file in the read_client function, where an off-by-one error creates a condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the Motion HTTP Control interface, which serves as the primary means of configuring and monitoring motion detection settings through web-based requests.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation within the read_client function, where a buffer overflow occurs when processing HTTP requests that exceed the allocated buffer size by exactly one byte. This off-by-one error creates a situation where an attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially corrupting program execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only a single long request to trigger the overflow condition, making it relatively easy to exploit compared to more complex buffer overflow scenarios. The exploitability of this vulnerability varies depending on the specific processor architecture and compiler combination used during software compilation, as different combinations may result in varying memory layouts and stack configurations that affect the success rate of the exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Remote attackers who gain code execution capabilities through this vulnerability can potentially escalate privileges, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The Motion software typically runs on embedded systems and network cameras, making these devices attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access points or disrupt surveillance operations. Additionally, since the HTTP control interface is often accessible over the network, the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network security is not properly implemented.
Organizations using affected versions of Motion software should prioritize immediate remediation through official security patches provided by the Motion project maintainers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute commands and potentially establish persistent access. Network administrators should implement proper access controls and network segmentation to limit exposure of Motion HTTP interfaces, while also considering the deployment of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough input validation and proper memory management in network-facing applications, particularly those running in embedded environments where resource constraints may limit the effectiveness of traditional security mitigations.